Trainee Clinical Perfusion Scientist

Role overview

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a trainee to join the Clinical Perfusion team at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. The post is designed to prepare the right candidate for a career as a Clinical Perfusion Scientist through a structured two-year programme that combines practical work in the department with academic study.

The John Radcliffe Hospital manages around 700 adult cardiac surgical procedures each year. The caseload includes coronary revascularisation, complex thoracic aortic operations, mitral valve repair and reconstruction, minimally invasive valve procedures, and off-pump coronary surgery. The team also supports the Cardiology Angiography Suite with mechanical support, cell salvage and standby cover.

Training pathway

The appointed candidate will complete a two-year training programme and will also enrol on the MSc in Perfusion Science at the University of Bristol. This is a research-focused programme intended to build the knowledge and clinical judgement needed for practice in perfusion.

Applicants who have previously left the register but want to return to clinical work may also be considered for a probationary supervised role.

What the role involves

Under close supervision from an accredited Clinical Perfusion Scientist, the trainee will learn to support and deliver perfusion services across routine and emergency cardiac bypass cases.

• Work directly under the guidance of a qualified Clinical Perfusion Scientist.
• Join the blended-learning MSc in Perfusion Science at the University of Bristol.
• Contribute to the delivery of the perfusion service.
• Carry out perfusion procedures during routine and urgent cardiopulmonary bypass cases under supervision.
• Build the ability to review a patient’s medical history, condition and diagnosis to support safe procedural decisions.
• Prepare, prime and operate cardiopulmonary bypass machinery.
• Collect, test and interpret arterial and venous blood gas results and coagulation measurements.
• Administer medicines and fluids such as colloids/crystalloids, vasoactive agents, cardioplegia, potassium, anticoagulants and haemostatic drugs, always under direct supervision.
• Continuously manage the patient’s cardiovascular status while on bypass.
• Assist with haemofiltration and blood transfusion when needed and supervised.
• Support quality checks, calibration and upkeep of specialist and costly medical equipment used in clinical perfusion.
• Develop the knowledge needed to help run intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation therapy under supervision.

Working arrangements

Successful candidates will work a four-day week. During training, they will also take part in the department’s 24-hour on-call rota.

Entry requirements and progression

Candidates should hold a 2:1 degree in an appropriate Life Sciences subject. On successful completion of training, the postholder will be eligible to apply for registration with the College of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland.

About Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest NHS teaching trusts, offering a broad range of general and specialist services alongside medical education, training and research.

The Trust operates across four hospitals: the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington, and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Values and recruitment approach

The Trust describes its culture through Delivering Compassionate Excellence, with values centred on compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. It also uses value-based interviewing in many recruitment processes to identify candidates who align with these principles and can contribute to high-quality care from the outset.

Contact for informal enquiries

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, contact Ian Harvey, Clinical Perfusion Manager, by email at ian.harvey@ouh.nhs.uk or by phone on 01865 222960.